What could be more festive than gathering around the old joanna for a good cry? The Channel 4 gem The Piano was one of the sweetest TV treats this year – a talent show in the truest sense, full of uplifting human stories. Now the ivory-tinkling, heart-tugging show is granted its first Christmas special and what a celebratory, generous-spirited joy it is.
Claudia Winkleman swaps her Strictly sparkles for a military greatcoat and fingerless gloves – transitioning nicely to her Traitors wardrobe in time for its return next week – to host from King’s Cross station. When it first aired, the delightful series capitalised on the “street piano” phenomenon by inviting gifted amateurs to play at train stations across the country. Little did they suspect they were secretly being watched by the pop star Mika and the classical maestro Lang Lang – not so much judges as passionate cheerleaders for their instrument – who picked their favourites to play at a gala concert.
